Disclaimer: Naruto belongs to Kishimoto-sensei, I don't own anything.

Inspired by: HGTV and renovation shows obsession, Escape to the Chateau and DIY, and way too many YT chateau renovation channels (The Pretherics, Doing it Ourselves, Chateau Diaries, How to Renovate a Chateau - without killing your partner, etc.).

Warnings: cliché and fluffy sasuhina, cheesy lemon, some coarse language, perhaps a bit OOC given the modern setting.

Author's Notes: This story is completely AU, set in modern France. Hinata's about 25 and Sasuke 28 years old. I don't speak French (sadly) and I'm not particularly knowledgeable in French culture. I have been to Paris once (and can't wait to be able to go again), and watch too many British youtubers that live in France. So, my apologies if I butchered something.


Hinata leaned softly against the ancient stone balustrade. It was now close to eight o'clock that evening, she noted, looking down at the screen of her cellphone, but she was already proper knackered.

She tapped her leather bound planner gently with her ball pen, all the while nursing a flute of pricey champagne:

1500 - Afternoon Drinks

1600 - Ceremony Begins

1645 - Ceremony Ends, walk to Reception area

1800 - Cocktail Hour and Reception begins

1815 - First Dance

1830 - Sunset Photos

1900 - Toast

1910 - Dinner Reception

1925 - Cake Cutting

1930 - Family Dances

2000 - Fireworks

Generally, Hinata didn't indulge on alcohol on wedding days, but Izumi, the bride, had insisted after the toast. Izumi had expressed deep gratitude to Hinata for having prepared such beautiful event, but Hinata always felt she needed to uphold professionalism and keep her wits to ensure everything went smoothly and according to plan. Maybe after a warm shower that night, she would try some of that Bordeaux Blanc she had purchased recently.

So far, everything had gone well... except perhaps a couple of vintage hand cut crystal candle holders that were being arranged as center pieces that Kiba broke in an exuberant burst of energy. But she couldn't be mad at him, however. Kiba, the son of the local veterinarian, had always been extremely helpful during wedding season, aiding with set up, sometimes with bartending, sometimes DJing which was his favorite gig, as he was this time.

And there he was, she saw with a faint smile, bouncing to the sound of his music, head bopping up and down.

Ride with the mob, Alhamdulillah

Check in with me and do your job

Ferg is the name, Ben Baller did the chain

Tourneau for the watch, presi Plain Jane

Hinata laughed softly, watching one the Uzumaki redheads twerk to the song. For being such a distinguished bunch, the Uchihas and Uzumakis really enjoyed their music.

In less than half an hour, the fireworks would be launched, then more music, more expensive Uchiha fizz and spirits, and hopefully all the guests would be retiring to their suites and town rentals before midnight. And Hinata was dearly hoping she could hit her pillow before 3am.

I Said, Oh! , I'm Blinded By The Lights

No, I Can't Sleep Until I Feel Your Touch

I Said, Oh! , I'm Drowning In The Night

She guessed it would ultimately depend on the celebrated couple, although by the groom's looks, he didn't seem particularly like the festive type.

The nuptials of Uchiha Itachi and Uchiha Izumi were the most beautiful she had ever planned and hosted. The most expensive too. A wedding between heirs of the highly prestigious Paris based Uchiha & Uzumaki Law firm. Very high class, rich society, the type of couple who would have comfortably afforded to have been married at the beautiful Domaine de Chantilly, Chateau de Fontainebleau or even the lovely Chateau de Chambord, but decided for her humble Chateau de Oeil Blanc in the country side.

Located in the little town of Villefeuille, within the Loire Valley, it was a convenient 3-hour car ride from Paris; close enough, yet far enough to be substantially affordable.

The Chateau, with its fairy tale turrets and charming chimneys, orangery, small chapel, walled gardens and long stable outbuildings, within a 20 acre lot and adjacent to a lake and forests, was truly love at first sight for Hinata.

Izumi was a sweetheart. Rich and beautiful, yet very unassuming. She had wanted something different, more quaint and intimate for her wedding day. Izumi had seen her Instagram and had fallen in love with the location. Hinata couldn't help herself and felt pretty proud of her achievements. She hoped, mama and papa would have been proud of her too.

Only 3 years ago, the building was in almost ruins after being abandoned for years. Rambles, nettles and overgrown grass had overtaken the grounds, and half the lake. It had taken a lot sweat and tears, and lots of money to get it up and running the way it was now. Unfortunately, only 7 ensuite chambers had been fully renovated and completed so far, out of the 18 within the chateau, not including the several outbuildings and some of the stained glass in the chapel, which also needed restoring.

It was ok though. She had understood from the beginning it would take her years to finish. Only to probably have to start all over again, as Chateaus were known to be insatiable mistresses.

After a first rough two years of solely expenses, this was the first year she had managed to actually break even. It wasn't much, but she felt accomplished. Perhaps in a year or two she would be able to start making some profit.

Running a Chateau was tough business. Costly maintenance and repairs, renovation, constant upgrades, expensive lawn-care, dismal heating and water bills. It was never ending. But she loved it, and she didn't want to ever give up.

Been waiting for a lifetime for you

Been breaking for a lifetime for you

Wasn't looking for love 'til I found you

Ooh na-na ayy yes

For love, 'til I found you (Oh, yeah)

Smiling, her eyes shifted away from the couples on the dance floor, only to fall on a dark gaze staring at her, all the way from the other side of the back gardens. Blushing intensely, her gaze fell to her feet, and grabbing her planner tightly to her chest, she sighed.

Admittedly, the younger Uchiha sibling was terribly handsome, but Hinata wanted no troubles, as more than one frisky husband and boyfriend had created problems for her in past weddings. It wasn't good for business, and her wellbeing.

Hinata always made certain to wear demure clothing to all her planned events, and although the elegant high waisted deep blue jumpsuit fitted nicely around her hips –a designer item that she had purchased at a consignment shop and altered herself to fit her figure– it's floor length and upper coverings left everything to the imagination.

Hinata stretched out her legs. It was time for the fireworks show.

. . .

Sasuke looked around the party in boredom. He cared not for these type of celebrations, and had this not been Itachi's own wedding, he would have probably made a million excuses not to attend. It didn't help being the best man either.

"My man, that's some nice titties!" rasped audibly his irritating blond best friend and colleague, standing next to him.

"Nice ass too", followed Sai mutedly at his friend's side.

Sasuke tsked in annoyance, pinched the bridge of his nose, and shifted his gaze away from the black haired beauty while sipping some gin and tonic.

Naruto patted him on the back, "Go say hi to her or something, and don't be a pussy. You have been staring at her all night man!"

"Naruto, leave me the fuck alone", replied Sasuke exasperated.

"Ok ok, just saying... hey whatever happened between you and Karin?"

"What do you mean? Nothing's happened between her and me", Sasuke finished his drink in a swig, replying matter of fact.

"I thought Mikoto wanted to get you guys together or something", said Naruto with some fake interest.

"Mother is always trying to get me with someone. Don't you know her by now?... besides, Karin has been shagging Shisui for months now."

"WHAT!?", he yelled with eyes wide open in surprise.

"Everybody knows Naruto. Why are you just finding out now?" asked Sai blandly.

"Why am I the only idiot who doesn't know about my cousin?"

"You just said it", sighed Sai and Naruto shrugged his shoulders.

Sasuke was definitely not interested in relationships at this time. His last girlfriend slashed his extremely costly tires after he didn't reply to her text messages for hours, the one time he had spent an exhausting full day negotiating during a mediation with some clients.

That's the problem with beauty, it often comes alongside crazy. And Sasuke was very much done with crazy.

Karin was definitely a No Go Zone. She was brilliant, notoriously known as the most aggressive attorney at the firm, gotten them millions over the past few years. Which meant she was a nightmare in person. Amazing lawyer and, a magnificent cunt.

"Where are the restrooms ?" asked Sai suddenly.

Naruto made some hand gestures "ehhh... if you head that way, it's up your ass and to the left", Naruto crackled like a dolt, he already had some drinks on him that night. But he was always good fun.

Sai left, and Sasuke noticed the young woman walk away from the celebration. Soon after, fireworks in all shape and colors illuminated the sky.

. . .

Tiredly, she walked gingerly down the darkened halls of the Chateau, illuminated faintly by a full moon and night stars whose light filtered faintly through the tall glazed windows. Her own quarters were located on the third floor and isolated West Wing where she had views of the front of the Chateau and walled gardens. She had not been able to renovate her own rooms yet, except for the bathroom, the walls had peeling wallpaper and the damaged millwork definitely needed either replacement or total removal. Most of the Chateau's renovations had occurred on the first, and parts of the second floor, where most of the guests were staying.

The party ended right before midnight, as they usually do. Most guests having retired to their hotel accommodations in town, while the couple and some close families were staying on the Chateau that night. The newlyweds' family planned on leaving after breakfast tomorrow but Izumi and Itachi decided on staying an extra night, just to relax a bit before departing to their honeymoon –some dreamy place nearby Côte d'Azur.

All this meant Hinata had less than 5 hours of sleep that night, before she would need to rise up and get started on breakfast for everyone.

It was all right, she was used to it by now.

Hinata blushed faintly, as she walked by the second floor hallway quietly, overhearing the faint sound of moaning and light squeak of a bed, as she passed by the rooms of the newlyweds, trying to reach the main staircase towards the first floor. She needed some tea before nighttime, otherwise she would not be able to fall asleep.

"Can't sleep?"

Her heart almost jumped out of her chest and she almost screamed, holding her mouth in an instinct to not awake the inhabitants.

"... I'm... so sorry... I didn't notice you there", she whispered, quavering and holding her chest.

"My apologies," replied the man in a low voice, "did not mean to scare you".

"It's... it's ok, no worries... ahm... Mr. Uchiha?"

"Call me Sasuke".

Hinata saw him, leaning against the marbled windowsill in the grand dining room that connected to the kitchens, shirtless, jogging pants riding very low on his hips, holding a glass of water. She flushed hotly, becoming rather self conscious of his chiseled body, as well as the scanty clothes covering her own. Sporting a well worn and almost see through sleeping tee and tiny shorts dating back from her teenage years, her arms reached up unconsciously, covering her breasts and the nipples that were surely peaking through the flimsy fabric.

"Eh... Sa-Sasuke, would you like some tea...? I was just about to make some before bed..." she asked with hesitancy. She could not see his face in the dark but she could feel his intense gaze.

"No, it's ok," he said after what felt an eternity. "Is it always this peaceful and quiet ... I mean, around here?" he asked unexpectedly.

"Yes, always... not much around here except for this—" she gestured around, "and some farms."

Sasuke didn't say anything else and Hinata, feeling extremely awkward, performed a small curtsy.

"Goodnight Hinata", he said softly.

Her eyes widened, in surprise, "goodnight... Sa-Sasuke", because she didn't know he knew her name.

Hinata was so anxious, she barely enjoyed her tea that night. When she walked back to her quarters, he was gone.

. . .

Hinata hummed to herself contentedly, while listening to some music, as she primed the walls. Her constant companion Belle, a fluffy golden retriever, laid on the floor close by, wagging her shaggy tail occasionally whenever she gave her a bit of attention. Grandpa was working on the adjacent room, finishing the mermaid-scale white tile work on the en-suite bathroom. She needed this room —the Marie Antoinette— to be perfect, as she had big plans for it to become a couple's favorite.

Honestly, she would have never been able to accomplish much if it wasn't for grandpa. He lived 10 minutes away from the Chateau, and came over almost on a daily basis to work on her renovation projects. Grandpa was semi-retired, but he used to own a small construction company back in the days. Nonetheless, carpentry was his lifelong specialty, which was what Chateau's interiors were mostly made out of.

Hinata had tried in the past to get him and grandma to move in with her at the mansion, but they always refused. He loved his charming little cottage on the countryside, where he had been living for the past 20 years. Having her grandparents living in the area was one of the biggest reasons Hinata moved to that location, and how she came to find out about the sale of her Chateau three years ago.

The older she got, the more she wanted to be surrounded by family. Alas, that became rather difficult after her father's death. Hanabi was in the city living with their uncle, fully absorbed with law school, while her cousin Neji, who was an accountant for an international corporation, was always gone on business travels.

Hinata heard the familiar notification ping from her phone, through the sound of music, announcing a reservation had been booked.

Scanning a quick look she noted the room rental was one of her largest chambers —furnished in elegantly masculine grays, off-whites and gold, black marble mantel fireplace, the grand Monsieur Churchill as she had named it— located on the East Wing, second floor. She furrowed her eyebrows puzzled, when she noted it was for a couple of weeks in November.

Wedding season was typically over by late September, and by late October, the Bed And Breakfast side of the business was also pretty dead. As the weather got colder on Northern France, the less tourism and bookings. Which meant for her, it was time for picking up the renovation work.

Hinata opened her email, and giving a quick scan, her eyes focused on the guest's name, in bewilderment.

Uchiha Sasuke

. . .

He drove down the recognizable straight gravel path, now carpeted by fallen leaves, surrounded by the tree-lined auburn canopy, opening up to the Renaissance style mansion that was so well known throughout the Loire Valley.

Sasuke was in desperate need of a break. Despite the fact he had been working remotely over the past year, he was essentially tired of city life: tired of traffic, the crowds, the tourists, the everyday hustle of cosmopolitan living. He was also tired of Naruto's shit, showing up with Sai at his apartment at unholy hours to go bar-hopping around Montmartre. They weren't college boys anymore.

The few days he managed to spend at the Chateau during Itachi's wedding was simply cathartic. He would have never said it aloud, however, and even thinking about it made him feel like a pussy, but the place felt wholesome... As fuck. And he needed a vacation. Not one of those vacations where Naruto dragged him everywhere in Rome, because he wanted to see all the sights, type of vacation. The one where could sit down, relax, have a drink, eat some good food and sleep. And besides, the place seemed to have decent wifi signal, which meant that if he needed to jump in and do some last minute work or phone calls, he would be able to do so without issues.

The end of the year was usually slower, in terms of workload and pace. Courts close down for the holidays, and people take time off. Nobody wants to be filing claims, depositions, mediations, and be on trials around the holidays.

It didn't hurt that the proprietress, besides being highly skilled in prepping delicious meals, was pretty appetizing herself.

He saw her standing by the main entrance, her loyal golden retriever, who never seemed to stray far from her person was chasing after some kind of bird around the front lawn, and she stood there, wearing the most unflattering paint stained coveralls, and sporting a rather fetching lilac head covering and pink smudge on a cheek.

Sasuke knew what she looked like under the shapeless garb, and if that night was any indication, he wouldn't mind stripping her off the attire.

"Welcome to Chateau de Oeil Blanc, Mr. Uchiha", she said with a smile, after he had parked and gotten off his car, "I hope you find your stay satisfying".

He made a guttural sound in acknowledgment, and responded flatly after a pause, "Bond, the name is James Bond".

Hinata blinked, bemused, then looked at his car, noticing the very slick black Aston Martin, when it downed.

She giggled, covering her mouth and saw him smile soon after. The dog came running towards them, and sniffed his pants lightly. He scratched the doggy's furry ears, and seemed to enjoy it.

"Sasuke. Call me Sasuke, Miss Hinata."

"Hi... Sasuke, I hope your stay here is pleasant. Ahm, you are the only guest right now, so just let me know at what time you like your breakfast to be prepared–"

"Any time is fine," he interrupted.

"Nine ok?"

"Sure".

Sasuke walked inside the building right behind her, transfixed by the slight sway of her hips.

. . .

He stopped sitting at the dinning-room for breakfast in the mornings, deciding instead to sit at a kitchen-counter high bench and watch her cook him breakfast. He knew it made her nervous, but he enjoyed it, and he was kind of an asshole anyways.

Her grandfather would occasionally appear early and join in. One of those no nonsense working class older folks, unlettered, but rather practical and down to earth, certainly more insightful than most of the idiots running the country.

Sasuke would arrive after a refreshing morning jog. The place was simply espectacular. No car sounds, no people around, just forests, some roads, farms and dairy cows, and the magnificent edifice emerging in the middle of all. He would watch Belle eat her morning meal, as Hinata would leave to go and feed her girls, as she affectionately referred to her egg-laying hens.

Forget farm-to-table, this shit was it. Fresh morning eggs, herbs, local dairy and meat. This was the life, and Sasuke wondered more than once, what the fuck was he doing with his.

Hinata would always appear in either an oversized chunky sweater and jeans or the ugly working coveralls. Yet, he couldn't help but appreciate her charm and sweet demeanor. There was no artifice to her person, hair always made up in childlike braids wrapped around her head, no make up, no plastic surgery, no fancy curls. And the more he stared at her, the more he liked it. He didn't fully understand what the fuck was wrong with him, used as he was to more sophisticated lovers.

Hinata never flirted or insinuated any interest, a bit that was quite refreshing, except perhaps for that adoring blush adorning her cheeks whenever he was around, which unknowingly to her, teased him to no end.

"Gramps, I finished rewiring the glass chandelier and sewing the curtains for the Marie Antoinette's rooms, so we can hang those any time today," she said as she cooked some bacon.

"Perfect dear, after that I should be able to start with the bathroom's floor tile in the Wisteria room", he said taking a sip of his café au lait, "the underlayment was put in yesterday, so everything is ready".

"That is awesome!", she exclaimed with plain excitement, "I can't believe we will be able to complete two chambers before the end of the year. This is a record gramps, we have never finished a room so quickly."

"This girl right here", said the old man suddenly, pointing at her, "can do anything. She will make someone a great wife."

"Don't doubt it sir", replied Sasuke without skipping a beat, lifting his coffee mug in approval.

"Grandpa!" Hinata was scandalized, and Sasuke noted how the red on her cheeks deepened to scarlet hues.

The old man left the kitchen after finishing some buttered toast, without paying her any mind.

"I'm sorry... gramps say some things sometimes...", she said softly, placing a steaming plate in front of him.

"He's not wrong, you know," he said matter of fact, digging in on his meal. He was often starving after a good morning run.

"Would you show me later. I mean the place", he clarified.

"If you like, I could do a tour of the Chateau", she replied shyly, placing some strands of loose hair behind an ear.

"That sounds fantastic".

. . .

Hinata purchased her Chateau three years ago, but as he learned that afternoon, the first year was her hardest, with renovation work that included new septic tanks, plumbing that required trenching right at the main entrance, electrical rewiring, a deep clean of the building facades, and fixing of some of the roof's tiles 'which was thankfully still in pretty decent shape'.

He discovered she had bought and paid for it's renovations with an inheritance received after her father passed away, and took a partial bank loan to supplement —something that Sasuke already knew, as he had his assistant perform a background check on her a few weeks ago... only out of curiosity. There was no other debt attached to her name, no police records or anything noteworthy. Hinata was young, beautiful, and very courageous, and Sasuke couldn't help but feel some degree of admiration at her tenacity, as he understood her aspirations to bring back to life a dilapidated piece property wasn't a small feat.

Hinata, bless her soul, also invited him to eat lunch and supper at the Chateau, knowing there wouldn't be many options available at the town during that time of the year. And it seemed to him she really enjoyed cooking.

"May I sit in here with you?", he showed up in the drawing room without warning that evening, bottle of wine in hand and two glasses in another.

Hinata was laying on her favorite settee, her long hair picked up adorably in a messy bun. She would turn the couch around to face the fireplace during the winter months, when there were normally no guests, as it would make the space look messy and out of place, and where she would spend almost all her nights. Sometimes reading a book, or working on budgets and schedules, and where she would occasionally even fall asleep on. Belle would usually sit on the other end at her feet, or on the floor carpet right in front, her one companion during the cold winter nights of Northern France.

"Sure...", she replied, and straightened up in the couch.

"It's gotten quite chilly lately, right...?" she said after a while making small conversation, "I do hope the rooms are warm at night".

"They are, don't you worry", he said offhandedly as he opened the wine bottle cork.

"I usually don't do reds... it gives me migraines..." she muttered in a low voice.

"This one doesn't have any sulfites. It's good quality", and Hinata blushed, observing his profile up close. Because he was even more handsome on closer inspection.

"What made you do this... start this... Chateau thing?" he asked out of the blue.

"Oh... it's a long story... probably boring too...", she drifted off, staring into empty space.

"Humor me. Can't be more boring than all the legal paperwork I have to go through daily at work", he chuckled.

Turned out, tipsy Hinata was quite chatty, as he noted after she had had two cups.

"Well... I bought the Chateau after dad passed away... it was a dream of mom, as far back as I can remember.

"She grew up on a Chateau... it's very pretty "she smiled reminiscent, "a bit up north in the Normandy area. There is a lovely couple who are their current caretakers. I have been there quite a few times... anyhow her family came from small aristocracy but they lost everything during an economic downturn in the 80's, and they had to sell it.

"So... after papa died... I felt that life was too short... and I needed to do something that I really wanted to do. Dad left us, me and my sister, a small inheritance, and I used my part of that money to buy this... grandpa helped me too, and I took a smaller loan from the bank to cover the rest...

"So I dropped out of school, and did it... and that's all there is to it," by then Hinata had three cups, and Sasuke could tell she could not hold her liquor, which was quite charming in his opinion.

"What school did you go to?", he asked curiously.

"Ah..." Hinata laughed, but it sounded bittersweet, "I went to Oxford on a scholarship..."

"Hinata, you dropped out of Oxford University!?", he was taken aback for a moment.

She sighed, letting her head fall on the back of the seat to stare at the ceiling, "I know... you are not the first one to scold me..." she grimaced a smile.

"When dad got sick I couldn't leave Hanabi alone, she was in her last year of high school. I needed to be there for her... I didn't really care for my career to be honest, and family is more important anyways...

"Papa wanted me to study Civil Engineering, because he said I was good with math and I needed to become a productive member of society... so we compromised on Architecture because I like art and painting... but I just could never picture myself doing that...

"You know what my dream job would have been... had I not done this?" she let out a dreamy sigh, "I would have loved to work for the Versailles conservatory department... help restore antique items. I love that... most of the paintings in the Chateau I restored them myself", she smiled proudly, staring into the hearth, "Old oil paintings are very expensive but they lose a lot of their value when they are damaged. I have gotten some really good deals on so many of them..." Hinata giggled, and Sasuke felt like he wanted to kiss her, but contained himself. "And when you see them, you wouldn't even be able to tell they were in pieces before ..."

By then, their bodies had become quite close in the settee, as Sasuke's arm extended to cover the back of Hinata's seating area.

Unexpectedly, Hinata's countenance changed to one of worry, her eyes furrowed slightly and her breathing deepened, her hand suddenly grabbed his arm in an uncharacteristic gesture, but she wasn't looking at him, but rather straight to the fire.

Sasuke noticed Belle's ears lift, and she arose to lean her paws on Hinata's legs. Hinata's grip became more rigid on his arm, and she started breathing heavily while some tears rolled down her cheeks.

"Hi... Hinata", he called softly, deeply concerned.

"I'm... so sorry... it'll pass away... just give me a moment..." Hinata curled into herself, whimpering quietly, and Sasuke, not knowing what else to do grabbed her body and made her lay on him.

She was shaking like a leaf.

Hinata then held onto his shirt, her whole body curled atop Sasuke's as he caressed her hair with tender motions, for what felt like an an eternity.

"I'm so sorry Sasuke... it's a panic attack... I haven't had one in a while...", she gasped out.

"Don't need to apologize", he said as he kept caressing her hair soothingly.

Sasuke lifted some messy black tresses away from her face, her eyes were closed, wet trails of tears on her sweet cheeks. And Belle's paws sat atop his legs, as she nuzzled her keeper.


Lyrical bits references, in order of appearance:

-Plane Jane, AAP Ferg ft. Nicki Minaj.

-Blinding Lights, The Weeknd.

-For You, Liam Payne and Rita Ora

...

Thanks for reading. Apologies for any grammar errors.

Hope everyone is healthy and safe!